The newly-opened AKC Museum of the Dog in New York City makes Manhattan a must-visit destination for dog-lovers. But what other dog exhibits already exist around the city? You can easily spend an entire day at these New York City dog tributes — you might even need a weekend! While all eight locations are sure to delight dog lovers, you’ll want to make sure you save time to explore the hundreds of dog exhibits at the AKC Museum of the Dog.
Balto in Central Park
Location: West of East Drive and 67th Street and north of the Central Park Zoo
Unveiled in December 1925, the Balto sculpture in Central Park is a tribute to a heroic Siberian Husky named Balto. In January of that same year, diphtheria struck Alaska and there wasn’t enough serum to stop the outbreak. Balto was a sled dog who led his team on the final leg of transporting the serum 674 miles, through a blizzard.
When you admire this statue, you’ll be standing where Balto himself stood. He was one of the honored guests at the December unveiling.
Wegman Subway Art
Location: 23rd Street and 6th Avenue
When the 23rd Street F/M stations reopened on Nov. 29, 2018, 11 Weimaraner murals were also revealed. Artist William Wegman photographed his famous dogs as “people who you might see next to you on the platform.” The artist Mayer of Munich then translated these photographs to mosaics.
You can see the murals on both the uptown and downtown platforms.
“The Real World” Bulldog
Location: Chambers Street and River Terrace, near Stuyvesant High School
In 1992, Tom Otterness created the whimsical sculpture art called The Real World in Nelson A. Rockefeller Park. While there are many human and animal art pieces, our favorite is the Bulldog, which you’ll find by the water fountain.
Dogs of 9/11
Location: 180 Greenwich St., outside the education center within the museum
Although there are no pets allowed inside the 9/11 museum, there is an exhibit dedicated to them. The “Dogs of 9/11” tribute honors the hundreds of dogs who served during and after 9/11, the last of which died in 2016 at the age of 16. This exhibit is open through the fall of 2019 and includes a statue from the American Kennel Club’s DOGNY initiative.
Togo
Location: Canal Street and Essex Street in Seward Park
Togo is often thought of as the forgotten sled dog of the 1925 Nome Serum Run, oft-overlooked due to Balto. The longest and most hazardous stretch of the run was covered by Leonhard Seppala, and his lead dog Togo, while Balto only led the team for the final 53 miles. Seppala owned both dogs but was secretly furious Balto was getting more press and fought for Togo to get more recognition. Eventually, Togo was recognized with his own sculpture in Seward Park. Disney+ highlighted his heroic tale in the 2019 film Togo, starring one of Togo’s descendants as the namesake Siberian.
Boris & Horton
Location: 12th Street and Avenue A
Time to refuel! Boris & Horton opened in January 2018 as the first dog-friendly café in the city. Order from a selection of human treats: specialty grilled cheeses, lattes, avocado toast. And get a treat for your pup while you’re at it: sweet potato fries, doggy donuts, and more.
If you don’t have your own dog, there’s sure to be plenty of others playing in this leash-free zone. Dogs and humans can even take photos in the photo booth, complete with dog accessories.
38-foot Dalmatian at NYU Langone
Location: 34th Street and First Avenue
You’ll have to see it to believe it! These 38-foot-tall fiberglass sculpture of a Dalmatian sits outside Hassenfield Children’s Hospital to make kids feel welcome as they go into the facility. And the taxi he’s balancing on his nose? That’s a real Prius, stripped of its motor. The sculpture was constructed in Wisconsin then transported to New York City, where it was unveiled in May 2018.
AKC Museum of the Dog
Location: 101 Park Avenue, enter on 40th Street between Park and Lexington
Although non-service dogs aren’t allowed in, the AKC Museum of the Dog is the ultimate dog-lover’s haven. This newly opened museum includes hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and photographs of dogs along with a dozen interactive exhibits. Adults and kids alike will spend hours learning about the dogs in the two-floor museum. There’s an interactive app, and several interactive exhibits, such as a digital dog named Molly you can train.
The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Buy your tickets today.